Stage 16 could be the key to the 2006 Tour. The crucial linchpin stage begins by immediately ascending the immense Galibier, then descends over 60km to attack the Beyond Category Col de la Croix-de-Fer, then the transition climb of Col du Mollard, and then down to St.Jean-de-Maurienne to the final ascent of the new climb up to the ski station of La Toussuire. It's not a steep grade at 6% but it is 18.4km long, which could lead to big gaps at the finish. It will be time for riders like Valverde to make up some time before the final TT.
Mountains
TOPICS
-
Devastated Gregor Mühlberger out of Tour de France, could Olav Kooij take his spot on Decathlon CMA CGM?
French WorldTour still has not named squad to support Paul Seixas continues -
Irish National Championships: Lara Gillespie wins third national road title from breakaway in miserable conditions
Track world champion also won ITT two days ago -
'Eventually you start becoming ready to stop' - Magnus Cort announces retirement at end of season following one last Tour de France
Nine-times Grand Tour stage winner to quit aged 33 -
German National Championships: Franziska Koch wins from break to add third consecutive road race title to time trial glory
Lianne Lippert is second and Justyna Czapla third from five rider break
